Listening Party: ‘MUSE’ by Jimin

BTS' talented vocalist and dancer, Park Ji Min—better known as Jimin—celebrates his 29th birthday today. While BTS debuted on June 13, 2013, it wasn’t until late 2022 that the vocal line members began releasing their solo albums. Jimin was the second member to unveil his solo work, debuting his album FACE in March 2023, followed by MUSE in July 2024. With MUSE, Jimin has firmly established himself as a solo artist to watch in the coming years. His high-pitched, delicate, and sweet vocals shine throughout this enchanting seven-track album, making it a collection with no skips.

 

 

 

The opening track, "Rebirth (Intro)," serves as the perfect introduction to this sonic soundscape. It signifies Jimin's metamorphosis as an artist, shedding the layers of his debut album, FACE, and emerging anew. This sweet song is imbued with Jimin's honeyed vocals and a captivating melody.

 

 

 

Next is "Interlude: Showtime," which mirrors Jimin’s life journey. Born as Park Ji Min, he has been reborn as Jimin through music and dance, which have defined his artistry and purpose. This track evokes the charm of 1950s Hollywood musicals, blending classic nostalgia with a contemporary K-pop flair. It seamlessly transitions into the third track…

 

 

 

"Smeraldo Garden Marching Band" (feat. Loco) acts as an interlude, setting the stage for the album's remaining four songs. BIG HIT MUSIC describes Smeraldo as a fictional flower that appears in the Bangtan Universe, symbolizing "the truth untold." This charming and upbeat song expresses love and gratitude to those we often overlook, perfectly aligning with Jimin's artistic essence. Notably, "The Truth Untold" is also a song by the vocal line members—Jin, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—from their 2018 album Love Yourself: Tear.

 

 

 

The next four tracks take on a more personal and intimate tone. The fourth song, "Slow Dance" (feat. Sofia Carson), is a dance-pop romantic ballad that captures the essence of wooing a lover through their favorite song and dance, keeping the spark alive. Carson's whispery vocals add to its allure.

 

 

 

The fifth track on MUSE is as bold and straightforward as they come—"Be Mine." This sultry and sensual song features a Latin-infused sexy soul, steering clear of a more overtly provocative style. The lyrics are playful, and remember to take a sip of your drink every time Jimin sings "Hot" in this track!

 

 

 

The penultimate and title track 'Who” stands out as the album's sole song performed entirely in English. It reflects a lover's predicament, where the heart and soul are ablaze with longing for answers and a muse, perfectly embodying Jimin's journey of questioning and redefining his path as both an artist and a member of BTS.

 

 

 

Finally, "Closer than This" concludes the album on a soulful and uplifting note. This musical love letter is dedicated to his six BTS brothers and their ARMY, celebrating the decade-long journey they've shared and how their bond has grown stronger than ever. It’s the ideal closing track for a concert, destined to leave fans singing with tears of joy and gratitude.

MUSE is a masterfully crafted second album that charts a clear direction for Jimin’s solo career. He has broadened his musical horizons since FACE, incorporating intriguing collaborations while maintaining his signature saccharine sweetness.